Parotid glands secrete saliva into the mouth. The saliva moistens the mouth to help a person chew and swallow food. Saliva also contains substances (enzymes) that begin the breakdown of food.

One parotid gland is located in front of and below each ear. The pair of parotid glands is the largest of the three main types of salivary glands.

By

Healthwise Staff

Primary Medical Reviewer

Adam Husney, MD, MD - Family Medicine

Specialist Medical Reviewer

Howard Schaff, MD - Diagnostic Radiology

Last Revised

July 28, 2011

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